I love Fridays.
I always have, for as far back as I can remember. And, now that I have Fridays off of work, I seem to love them even more. Fridays are also special to me because I participate in a great community called Five Minute Friday. It’s filled with amazing people, most whom I’ve never met in person, who love to write and encourage.
We gather together on Twitter Thursday evenings (#fmfparty), we free-write for five minutes on the same one-word prompt, and share and encourage at Kate’s place. I’ve been absent for a couple weeks, but it blesses my socks off to be back today.
As I’m home today making meals ahead for the weekend and next week, I’m writing away.
This week’s word:
–UNITE–
GO.
Last weekend my buddy Jill and I traveled to Suzie Eller’s Come With Me Retreat. We had a great time together, and meeting many online friends in person did my heart so good. It felt like my circle of sisters in Christ instantly grew by 50. The hugs were incredible. The smiles and laughter, priceless.
On our round-trip, 18-hour car ride, Jill and I conversed the entire time. Sharing authentically, brainstorming expectantly, and catching up on each other’s journey in this life. There’s nothing like it when friends can be themselves with each other. Their real, transparent, authentic selves.
It’s powerful when girlfriends unite!
unite :: strengthen; band together; cooperate; join forces
It’s even more powerful when believers in Christ unite.
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Philippians 2:1-4 MSG
This passage of scripture spurs me on to do all I can to love others in the way God desires me to. No, I won’t do it perfectly, but by His grace, strength, and mercy, I’ll give it all I got!
I can’t say what God will do with those powerful eighteen hours in the car last weekend, but I believe He’s going to use them for something big and something good. I’ll keep you posted!
STOP.
You’re a blessing to me. Thanks for stopping in!
Julie
We’ve missed you. So good to see you back partying with us. Sounds like you had a great time on your retreat. I want to do my best to love well too. I’m in the #7 spot this week.
I’ve missed you, Tara! Glad to be back. You’re a blessing, and I appreciate your presence here.
Julie, you’re so right. There is power when we unite with each other. And when we set ourselves, our desires, our agenda aside to help another forward? So powerful.
Authentic sharing among girlfriends is priceless. I have a few friends I can be my authentic self with, and I thank God for them often. I look forward to seeing the fruit of those 18 hours sprouting in your life. 🙂
So thankful for you, friend!
I’m thankful for you too, Jeanne! So thankful. Yes, authentic sharing with friends is such a gift. I’m glad you and I both have friends whom we can do that with. Hey, and we can do that with each other too! Maybe someday in person. I’ll keep you posted with what the 18 hours sprouting!